I once thought of love as a prison a place I didn't want to be So long ago, I made a decision to be footloose and fancy-free But you came and I was so tempted to gamble on love just one time I never thought, that I would get caught It seemed like the perfect crime (Chorus) Baby you left me defense-less I've only got one plea Lock me away, inside of your love and throw away the key I'm guilty...of love in the first degree I thought it would be so simple like a thousand times before I'd take what I wanted, and just walk away but I never made it to the door Now babe I'm not beggin' for mercy go ahead and throw the book at me If lovin' you's a crime I know that I'm as guilty as a man can be (Chorus) Love in the first degree (oh-oh yeah) Love in the first degree Oh Yeeeaaaah! (Chorus)